(512) 520-0700 - Blog]]>Wed, 24 Jun 2015 01:03:49 -0700WeeblyMon, 25 Jul 2011 20:16:55 GMThttp://www.austinexteriorpainting.net/blog/property-improvements1Home maintenance is a top priority with homeowners, and exterior house painting is one of the larger jobs that needs to be done with care. A new coat of paint every few years will not only make your house look well kept and beautiful, it helps prevent damage from water, dirt, and molds. Replacing damaged siding is an expensive proposition, but caring for it will prevent any need for that. The first and most important step is the preparation for painting.

Most importantly, and equally as time consuming as the actual painting is preparing the exterior for painting. It is a job that often is better left to professional painters. If you make a decision to repaint your house, then the critical first steps in the process are the cleaning and prepping of the surface. Taking these preparatory steps will ensure the exterior house painting will be a success.

Examine the condition of your house envelope, whether it be stucco, siding or wood. You may find damage such as blistered or peeling paint, spots of mildew or mold, loose flashings or caulking that has deteriorated. Since painting over these problems would be counter productive, note what work you have to do, and get started.

Peeling or blistering paint is often caused by ingress of water. Look for the source of that water, and fix that. Then remove the old loose paint, by scraping it off with a good quality paint scraper. Make sure to get all the flaking paint off, and then sand the wood or siding lightly to smooth and prepare it for the new undercoating. If you are working with rough cedar siding, then a wire brush will do a better job than a scraper.

Molds and mildews can penetrate wood and damage it. Clean it away with a solution of TSP, or trisodium phosphate. Household bleach in water will also do the job. Rinse the area well once you have scrubbed the mold away, and then allow it time to dry completely.

Now, check for loose flashings or deteriorated caulking around windows and doors. Refasten any loose flashing properly. They are your primary defense against water getting beneath the exterior finish of your home. If the caulking has deteriorated or come away, remove it and re-caulk, using a good exterior caulking that can take outdoor conditions for your area.

Loose flashings or caulking will allow water to penetrate beneath the exterior siding of your home, so must be fixed before you begin with the exterior house painting. Remove all damaged or deteriorated caulking and replaced it with new caulking that is made for exterior use. Flashings need to be checked and repaired if loose or replaced if damaged.

Once your house exterior has been examined, repaired and cleaned, you need to get ready for painting. Gather together all the equipment you’ll need for the job. Extension and step ladders, brushes, paint rollers, drop cloths for protecting walks and driveway, masking tape, and paint trays are all needed. Choose good quality equipment that will best do the job.

]]>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:16:02 GMThttp://www.austinexteriorpainting.net/blog/property-improvementsThinking of updating the look of your residential or commercial property? One of the most popular forms of renovation is a new application of paint. Whether inside or outside, a new paint job can completely restore the look of your property, while also increasing its value. But rather than spending hours online trying to find house painting ideas, why not talk to a professional?

Austin Painting contractors can offer you more than just a application of paint … they can provide you with extensive ideas and advice as to what works best for your home. Although the internet can give you rough ideas as to what looks good, an Austin house painter can come to your home, access your property and help you find the best color scheme that suits your home or commercial property the best.

Painting contractors are able to paint a number of different areas on your property. If you are looking for a change that will stand out in the street, exterior house painting is the right option for you. Color trends always come and go as time passes, and a new paint job can bring your home up to date with the current style. Depending on what paint is applied, you can also help protect the exterior of your home against harsh elements such as weather.

To liven the walls inside your home, talk to your local Austin painter about interior painting and decorating. There are a number of options available for renovating the interior of your home, such as features walls or colour contrasting the paint to the remainder of the property.

With knowledgeable advice from your local painting and decorating company, you can have peace of mind that your home renovation will completely restore and renew the look of your entire property. This also applies for commercial properties – a new paint job can potentially increase your business, as an attractive building may entice more customers in the doors!

Want to find out more about interior and exertior painting for your property?

]]>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:15:34 GMThttp://www.austinexteriorpainting.net/blog/painting-tipsIf you are thinking about working on a painting project for either interior or exterior surfaces there are some important pieces of equipment, materials, and know how that can make the work much easier. Every painting endeavor is a little different because of different materials, paint styles, and tools needed. Sure you will always be using some type of paint but how can you be sure how much to use and which brand or style to use? Below you will find some helpful suggestions for your next interior or exterior house painting job.

The initial item you will want to figure out will be how many square feet you will actually be applying paint to. Professional painters are very good at calculating square footage of a room or a whole house so to get an accurate measurement you should contact a local painting contractor and have him or her give you a free estimate. If you’d like to do it yourself then be certain you over estimate a little for each wall, ceiling, and floor so you have enough cans of paint and primer to cover the areas.

Next you will need to make a decision on which brand, style, and type of paint you will be covering your surfaces with. Do you want a gloss, semi-gloss, or just a flat paint? Have you made a decision on what colors you like best? Asking for some feedback and some help from a few friends is never a bad decision. Once you realize what you want just pay a visit to your nearby home improvement facility and have them mix your paints. Be sure to pick up some primer also for added protection.

Okay so now it’s time for the work to start! Before any paint is applied to a surface you’ll need to do some prep work like scrapping old paint away from exterior siding, sanding down rough areas, and then rolling on or brushing on the primer. Once the primer coat or coats have dried you can start painting. For best results you will want to add two coats of paint to all surfaces!

These tips can come in handy for any painting project and hopefully they can help you. Remember that if you ever need any advice or other help with home improvement assignments you can always get in touch with a local professional painter and usually they can offer some tips. Now go get the ladders, paint guns and old clothes on and get moving!